Head of Data Science

La Fosse; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working three days a week in an

30 days annual leave + birthday day

Job summary

La Fosse is seeking a hands-on Head of Data Science for a fast-growing fintech in London. You will own data science strategy, build ML models, and apply LLMs to production decisions to drive lending performance.

The role blends strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, requiring strong Python/SQL, production engineering, and an eye for commercial impact. Hybrid working three days a week in the office.

Qualifications

• Hands-on Python and SQL with ML modelling experience.
• Experience deploying models to production.
• Familiarity with LLMs and AI agents in business decisions.
• Strong production engineering: Git, testing, CI/CD, cloud, monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Own data science strategy focusing on credit risk, risk prediction and affordability.
• Build, deploy and optimise ML models to improve decisions and balance risk with CX.
• Apply LLMs and AI agents to production decisions with governance.
• End-to-end ownership from development to deployment and monitoring.
• Collaborate with Product, Engineering, Credit, Ops and Collections to drive measurable outcomes.
• Lead data science roadmap with analytics demonstrating impact to leadership.

Skills

Python

SQL

Machine learning

LLMs & AI agents

Production engineering

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Cloud platforms

Model monitoring

Job description

Head of Data Science | Fintech | £120,000–£140,000 + Equity

I'm partnering with a fast-growing fintech looking for a hands-on, AI-native Head of Data Science to own its data science strategy and build the models that enable smarter, faster and safer lending decisions.

This is a high-impact opportunity for a technically strong leader who can combine strategic ownership with hands-on delivery, building and deploying machine learning models and AI agents that directly influence business performance.

The Opportunity

• Own the data science strategy, with a focus on credit risk modelling, risk prediction and affordability assessment.
• Build, deploy and optimise machine learning models to improve decision-making and balance risk management with customer experience.
• Apply LLMs and agentic AI to real-world business decisions, taking solutions beyond proof of concept and into production.
• Take end-to-end ownership of models, from development and testing through to deployment, monitoring and governance.
• Work closely with Product, Engineering, Credit, Operations and Collections to turn data science into measurable commercial outcomes.
• Lead the data science roadmap, using analytics and management information to demonstrate impact and inform senior leadership.
• Report directly to a highly regarded, award-winning data leader in the UK, with the opportunity to work alongside an established figure in the data community.
• Help shape the future of a growing fintech, with significant autonomy and influence from day one.

What We're Looking For

• Strong hands-on Python, SQL and machine learning skills, with a track record of building and deploying models into production.
• Practical experience applying LLMs and AI agents to real-world business decisions, including evaluation, guardrails and governance.
• Strong production engineering skills across Git, testing, CI/CD, cloud platforms and model monitoring.
• A product-minded, commercially driven individual who can balance risk management with customer experience.
• Someone who enjoys building from scratch, taking ownership and translating technical solutions into tangible business results.

The Package

• Location: London, hybrid working with three days per week in the office
• 30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and an additional day off for your birthday

Zach Binge is leading the search for this Head of Data Science opportunity.